Thursday, January 28, 2010

switchmode power supply

switchmode power supply

A Switchedmode power supply (also Switchingmode power supply, SMPS, or simply Switcher) is an electronic Power Supply Unit (PSU) that incorporates a switching regulator in order to provide the required output voltage. An SMPS is actually a power converter that transmits power from a source (e.g., a battery or the electrical power grid) to a load ( a personal computer) with ideally no losses. The function of the converter is to provide a reliable output voltage often at a different level than the input voltage.

When mechanical shafts are rotating, a simple gear train can deliver power to a shaft at one speed from a shaft at a different speed. However, fluid power can be converted from a source with one pressure–flow ratio to another pressure–flow level without rotation by using the switching action of a hydraulic ram. Similarly, when AC power is being delivered from an AC source, a simple transformer can be used to convert power at one voltage level to power at another voltage level with low losses. Likewise, the switched action of an SMPS can convert DC power with low losses.

Switching-Mode Power Supply DesignThis site is dedicated to switching-mode power supply circuit designers. Here you will find solutions to the most difficult problems facing you as a power supply designer, a tutorial that places power supply design problems in context, and resources that aid in your power supply design tasks. If you are a first-time visitor you will want to read this page as an orientation. If you have been here before (thank you for coming back), use the menu on the right to find the power supply design information you need.